WEST CARLETON – Take the tour and visit the unique, beautiful gardens of West Carleton, June 15.

“On Saturday, June 15, we will have a unique opportunity to visit some very special private, commercial and community gardens in the Carp area,” West Carleton Garden Club member and West Carleton Online columnist Anne Gadbois said. “The tour is sponsored by the West Carleton Garden Club and is organized as a fundraiser in support of the purchase of a new garden bench for Carp Memorial Hall.”

The garden owners will open their gardens to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a special Victorian tea will be served at the Huntley Mess Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for garden tour ticket holders. 

Examples of the diverse types of gardens on the tour include:

• An organic farm and home adjacent to the Carp River wetlands…with a long tree-lined lane, a wheelchair accessible property.   Walk to the river or sit by a pond and watch the woodpeckers on the fallen logs. There are usually large numbers of shore birds nesting too;
• A two-acre suburban property harbouring several mature gardens, while others are displayed in formal geometric areas.  Tropical and tropical-like plants and trees, including a large collection of brugmansias, create a unique atmosphere among some European fountains and statues;
• A town garden situated in the centre of Carp which, eight years ago,  had mature trees in the back, an exposed bedrock lift, clay soil and builder’s fill as  the original main features. Since, the homeowners have introduced a large variety of plants and grasses, two vegetable gardens and a hosta line in the shade. Their ever-changing gardens are inspired by a visit to California where gardens are preferred over grassy lawns;
• A vineyard in the heart of West Carleton – KIN Vineyards is on the tour.

And many more.

“Come and find out what is growing in our area,” Gadbois said. “It will be a real eye opener.”

Tickets ($20, which includes the Victorian Tea) with the full addresses of the gardens to be visited are available now at: Bee You Creative Styles & Expressions, 3775 Carp Rd., 613-301-7314 (next to Alice’s) and also, on the morning of June 15, from 10 a.m., at the

Huntley Mess Hall, 2240 Craig Side Rd.